Abstract
The detection of specific DNA sequences has an enormous diagnostic and clinical potential because of the genetic origin of many pathologies, and the influence of particular genotypes in the response to medical treatments. Current methods for the specific detection of DNA sequences are based on hybridization of single-stranded DNA fragments to complementary sequences conveniently conjugated to fluorescent reporters. However, the advantages offered by directly probing double-stranded DNA have encouraged the search for new methods for such direct detection. Herein we review the current developments in this field, most of them based in the modification of known double-stranded DNA-binding agents like hairpin polyamides.